Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the eyes in premature infants. We see this disease in babies who are born too early (before 8
months of gestational age). Infants in the womb are developing all of their organs at different times. They develop the organs, as they need them. The developing infant in the womb does not need fully developed eyes or lungs
as they do not need them while they are in the womb. The baby is not fully developed until after 8 months of gestational age.

The blood vessels in the back of the eye do not develop fully until close to the baby’s due date. When babies are born too early or are much too small, the blood vessels in their eyes may develop abnormally. This leads to scar tissue formation and retinal detachment. This process, known as retinopathy of prematurity, can lead to permanent blindness: as was the case with Stevie Wonder.

In Stevie Wonder’s era, before the invention of laser surgery, there was no treatment available for children with this severe blinding eye disease. Fortunately, this process can be monitored and treated by your ophthalmologist. Treatment may include the use of a laser beam into the back of the eye to stop the abnormal growth of blood vessels.

It is very important that you continue your child’s eye care after they are home from the hospital. Premature infants may require frequent follow up visits to make sure the eye is developing normally.

Click on the link below for more information on retinopathy of prematurity.
http://www.aapos.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=227

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